Firefighters Battle Blaze Near Casper, Highway 220 [UPDATED]

Natrona County Emergency Management Coordinator Lt. Stewart Anderson says a wildfire of unknown origin started at roughly 3:15-3:30 p.m. Monday and burned some 10 acres on either side of Highway 220 right at Cole Mountain Road.

It took about 45 minutes for first responders to get the blaze under control.

As of 6 p.m., the battle was in "mop-up" phase. Of 12-15 BLM, Natrona County Fire District, Mills Fire Department, Wyoming Highway Patrol and Natrona County Sheriff's personnel who responded, only a trooper and firefighters remained on scene.

No injuries were reported and the only property damage was to portions of the right-of-way fence, which will have to be replaced, Anderson said.

Anderson added that responders were surprised at how green the vegetation in the area was, and how quickly it burned.

"It was a shocker to all of us," Anderson said.

He reminds everyone that from now until the first snow later this year, extreme caution must be exercised in order to prevent the start and spread of fire, as wind continues and conditions grow warmer and drier.

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A wildfire was reported to be burning on both sides of Highway 220 south of Casper on Monday.